Where Did the Electric Razor Come From

26 July, 2013

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The electric razor was on of the most important inventions for men in the 20th century. Without them, many with less steady hands would face a far more dire shaving situation on a daily basis. They are exactly as their name implies: A razor that is powered by an electrical current that induces the motion/oscillations of a pivoting or rotating blade set.

Electric Razors are normally powered by batteries or plug into the wall, with newer ones having built-in rechargeable batteries; others are the combination of a traditional razor and electric beard-trimmer. This article will discuss the history and progression of the electric razor over the years.

The first ever electric razor patent was filed by American inventor Col. Jacob Schick in 1928. Many will instantly recognize this name because Schick continues to be one of the largest manufactures of safety razors in the world. The company was originally established in 1926-based off the success of Jacob Schick’s invention of a razor that used interchangeable disposable blades.

The initial design of the electric razor was meant to be used on dry skin and only plugged into a wall outlet. Other earlier mechanical razors that weren’t electric had to employ more crude mechanisms like chord fly-wheels, or a crank-wind system for their mechanical energy. The electric razor supplants these systems with a DC motor, or an AC charged solenoid to create the desired motions and work. Despite Schick having the first commercial one out, the Remington corporation would be the ones to build on Schick’s earlier designs: Releasing their first razor in 1937. And they would continue to improve on the electric razor for generations to come.

The rotary electric razor was another huge advancement: Invented by professor Alexandre Horowitz (an expert in mechanical and electrical engineering), while working in the Netherlands for the Philips company. Having been disappointed with Schick’s reciprocating blade system and engineering, Horowitz developed one that utilized rotating blades. This lead to the rotary electric razor being released in 1939. This invention has been massively successful, and catapulted Philips into becoming one of the largest electric razor manufactures in the world; it’s still one of the most preferred types of electric razors today.

Currently there are a myriad of different electric razor makers. The most renowned and best selling brands are Braun, Philips, Panasonic, Remington, and Wahl. These razors continue to push the edge of accuracy and comfort.